JP6369318B2 - Information processing system, device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, a device, an information processing method, and a program.

  A smart terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone is used as an operation unit (operation panel) of the image forming apparatus. For example, it is possible to use various resources of the image forming apparatus and control the image forming apparatus from an application installed in the smart terminal.

  On the other hand, communication between a smart terminal as an operation unit of an image forming apparatus and an external apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer) is basically performed via a network connected to the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, a request from an external device for an application on the smart terminal is received by the image forming apparatus, and a dedicated network (for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable) between the image forming apparatus and the operation unit (smart terminal). Is notified to the operation unit.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution route of a request from an external device to an application of an operation unit.

  When a request addressed to the application of the operation unit is transmitted from the PC (S1), the request is received by the image forming apparatus via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Since the request is a request addressed to the application of the operation unit, the image forming apparatus transfers the request to the operation unit (S2). The application of the operation unit executes processing according to the request. In the process, the application calls the API of the image forming apparatus as necessary, and uses the resources of the image forming apparatus (S3). A response to the request from the PC is returned to the PC by following the steps S1, S2, and S3 in reverse.

  However, when the communication band between the image forming apparatus and the smart terminal is narrow, there is a possibility that the response to the PC is greatly delayed. For example, when the request from the PC is a print data upload request (that is, when the print data is included in the request from the PC), in steps S2 and S3, the print data includes the operation unit, the image forming apparatus, and the like. Will make a round trip. For example, when the size of the print data is 100 Mbytes and the network communication speed between the operation unit and the image forming apparatus is 4 Mbytes, the communication time required for steps S2 and S3 is as follows: Estimated.

100 [MBbyte] / 4 [Mbyte] × 2 = 50 (seconds)
Actually, the communication time is expected to be longer due to restrictions such as the communication buffer. In step S3, the print data is transferred to the image forming apparatus in order to hold the print data by using the HDD that is a resource of the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatus includes a large-capacity auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), while the operation unit only includes a small flash memory, and thus stores print data in the operation unit. This is because it is difficult.

  Such a situation not only stresses the user of the PC, but may also stress the operator of the image forming apparatus. The bandwidth of the network between the operation unit and the image forming apparatus is compressed by communication of print data, and the API of the image forming apparatus performed by the operation unit in response to a user input or the image forming apparatus in response to the call This is because the response or the like is delayed. That is, the responsiveness to the operation by the operator is deteriorated.

  In recent years, considering that various devices other than the image forming apparatus are being operated with smart terminals, the above-described problems are common to apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus. It is thought that.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to reduce a communication load between an operation unit and a device.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the device in the information processing system including the information processing terminal and the device connected to the information processing terminal via the first network is connected to the device via the second network. A receiving unit that receives information indicating the information processing terminal or other than the information processing terminal from the information processing terminal via the first network as a transfer destination of the request addressed to the information processing terminal; A transfer unit that transfers the request to a transfer destination indicated by the information received by the reception unit when the request is received via the second network;

  The communication load between the operation unit and the device can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows an example of the distribution path | route of the request addressed to the application of the operation part from an external device. It is a figure which shows the system configuration example of 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information processing system in 1st embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the information processing terminal in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of each apparatus in 1st embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence which the information processing system in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration information in 1st embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence which the information processing system in 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration information in 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of each apparatus in 3rd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating an example of the process sequence which the information processing system in 3rd Embodiment performs.

  The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, one or more client devices 30 and one or more information processing systems 2 such as information processing systems 2a and 2b are communicably connected via a network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. . In addition, when not distinguishing each of information processing system 2a, 2b, etc., it will be called "information processing system 2."

  The client device 30 is a computer that transmits a processing request to the information processing system 2. For example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like may be used as the client device 30.

  The information processing system 2 is a set of two or more information processing apparatuses that execute processing in cooperation with each other.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. In the information processing system 2 shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 is communicably connected to the information processing terminal 20 via a network N2. The network N2 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, a short-range wireless, or a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The network N2 is a dedicated network between the image forming apparatus 10 and the information processing terminal 20, and is different from the network N1. For example, the network N <b> 2 is used for communication for executing timely display on the information processing terminal 20 according to the state of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction machine that realizes two or more functions of printing, scanning, copying, FAX transmission / reception, and the like with a single casing. However, a device having any one function may be used as the image forming apparatus 10. A device such as a projector, a video conference system, or a digital camera may be used instead of the image forming apparatus 10. In the information processing system 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the network N1.

  The information processing terminal 20 is a smart terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In the present embodiment, the information processing terminal 20 functions as an operation unit of the image forming apparatus 10. More specifically, the information processing terminal 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 instead of an operation panel that has been conventionally installed as a dedicated operation unit of the image forming apparatus 10. The information processing terminal 20 is loaded with an application program that uses an API of the image forming apparatus 10.

  For example, the information processing terminal 20 is fixedly installed at a predetermined position (for example, a position where the operation panel is disposed) of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the information processing terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 may be grasped as one apparatus. Alternatively, the information processing terminal 20 may be removable (separable) from the image forming apparatus 10.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4, the image forming apparatus 10 includes hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, a terminal interface 15, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an HDD 114, an NVRAM 115, and the like. The ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 112 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like. The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 112. The HDD 114 stores a program and various data used by the program. The NVRAM 115 stores various setting information and the like.

  The scanner 12 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data by FAX communication. The terminal interface 15 is an interface for communicating (connecting) with the information processing terminal 20. For example, the terminal interface 15 may be a USB interface or hardware for short-range wireless communication, for example. Alternatively, the terminal interface 15 may be hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 17 is used for reading a program stored in the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, not only the program stored in the ROM 113 but also the program stored in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. The SD card 80 may be replaced by another recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). That is, the type of recording medium corresponding to the positioning of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 17 may be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the network interface 16 is connected to the network N1. The terminal interface 15 is connected to the network N2.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing terminal according to the first embodiment. 5, the information processing terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a touch panel 204, a wireless communication device 205, a device interface 206, and the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 203 stores programs installed in the information processing terminal 20. The memory 202 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 203 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program. The CPU 201 implements functions related to the information processing terminal 20 in accordance with programs stored in the memory 202.

  The touch panel 204 is an electronic component having both an input function and a display function, and displays information, accepts input from a user, and the like. The touch panel 204 includes a display device 211, an input device 212, and the like.

  The display device 211 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and bears the display function of the touch panel 204. The input device 212 is an electronic component that includes a sensor that detects contact of a contact object with the display device 211. The contact detection method of the contact object may be any known method such as an electrostatic method, a resistive film method, or an optical method. The contact object refers to an object that contacts the contact surface (surface) of the touch panel 204. Examples of such an object include a user's finger and a dedicated or general pen.

  The wireless communication device 205 is an electronic component such as an antenna necessary for performing communication in a wireless local area network (LAN) or a mobile communication network. The device interface 206 is an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 10. That is, the device interface 206 communicates with the image forming apparatus 10 in a form corresponding to the terminal interface 15. In the present embodiment, the terminal interface 15 is connected to the network N2.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of each device according to the first embodiment. 6, the information processing terminal 20 includes a Web server unit 21, a print Web application 22, a print UI application 23, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the information processing terminal 20 cause the CPU 201 to execute.

  The web server unit 21 is a web server. For example, the Web server unit 21 receives a request (HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) request) addressed to the information processing terminal 20 transmitted from the client apparatus 30 via the network N1 via the image forming apparatus 10. The Web server unit 21 calls a Web application program (hereinafter simply referred to as “Web application”) according to the received request (URL (Uniform Resource Locator)). That is, different URLs are assigned to the respective web applications. Note that the web application may be, for example, a servlet.

  The print web application 22 is an example of a web application that is called by the web server unit 21. The print Web application 22 is a Web application that responds to a print data upload request from the client device 30.

  The print UI application 23 is an application program that causes the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a print job related to print data uploaded in advance to the image forming apparatus 10 in response to an operation of the information processing terminal 20 by a user.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a proxy server unit 121, a print service unit 122, and the like. These units are realized by processing executed by the CPU 111 by a program installed in the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses a registration information storage unit 131 and a print data storage unit 132. The registration information storage unit 131 can be realized using the RAM 112 or the HDD 114. The print data storage unit 132 can be implemented using the HDD 114 or a storage device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network.

  The print service unit 122 has an API for receiving a request for printing or the like, and executes processing according to the request via the API. In the present embodiment, the print service unit 122 executes processing in response to a request from the print UI application 23. The image forming apparatus 10 may have a service unit related to functions other than printing. The API provided by the service unit may be a Web API of the REST (Representational State Transfer) format.

  The proxy server unit 121 functions as a proxy server for the Web server unit 21. The proxy server unit 121 includes a request reception unit 141, a transfer destination reception unit 142, a transfer unit 143, and the like.

  The request reception unit 141 receives a request addressed to a web application such as the print web application 22 via the network N1. The transfer destination receiving unit 142 receives information indicating a transfer destination of a request addressed to the Web application from the Web application. Information indicating the transfer destination is received for each request type (for each URL). That is, the transfer destination can be made different for each request type. Information received by the transfer destination receiving unit 142 is stored in the registration information storage unit 131.

  The transfer unit 143 transfers the request received by the request reception unit 141 to the transfer destination indicated by the information stored in the registration information storage unit 131. In the present embodiment, the transfer destination is the information processing terminal 20 or other than the information processing terminal 20 (for example, the image forming apparatus 10). Strictly speaking, the transfer destination is any Web application of the information processing terminal 20 or any service unit (for example, the print service unit 122) of the image forming apparatus 10.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure executed by the information processing system 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. In the following description, “a” is added to the end of the reference numerals of the components of the information processing system 2a.

  In step S101, the print Web application 22a transmits a transfer destination registration request for a print data upload request addressed to the print Web application 22a to the transfer destination receiving unit 142a of the proxy server unit 121a via the network N2a. The registration request includes information indicating a transfer target request (hereinafter referred to as “transfer target information”), a URL indicating a transfer destination (hereinafter referred to as “transfer destination URL”), and a response to the transfer target request. , Information indicating whether or not to notify the Web application that is the destination of the request (hereinafter referred to as “response notification necessity”) or the like is included.

  When receiving the registration request, the transfer destination receiving unit 142a stores information included in the registration request (hereinafter referred to as “registration information”) in the registration information storage unit 131a. Note that step S101 may be executed, for example, when the image forming apparatus 10a is activated.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of registration information in the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, the registration information includes transfer target information, transfer destination URL, necessity of response notification, and the like. In FIG. 8, the first registration information is an example of the registration information registered in step S101. That is, in this embodiment, “POST / PUT http: // xxxx / printApp / print / data” is included as the transfer target information, and “http: // xxxx / printService / print / data” is included as the transfer destination URL. It is assumed that registration information including “necessary” is registered as a response notification necessity.

  In the transfer destination information, “POST / PUT” indicates a POST message or a PUT message. In the URL included in the transfer destination information or the transfer destination URL, “x.x.x.x” indicates the IP address of the image forming apparatus 10a. “PrintApp” indicates identification information of the print Web application 22a. “Print / data” indicates a storage location of print data. “PrintService” indicates identification information of the print service unit 122a. Accordingly, the registration information shown in FIG. 8 indicates that the print data upload request (PUT message or POST message) addressed to the print Web application 22a is redirected to the print service unit 122a.

  Thereafter, at an arbitrary timing, the client apparatus 30 transmits an HTTP request indicating a print data upload request to the image forming apparatus 10a in accordance with an operation by the user (S102). The HTTP request is a POST message or a PUT message whose destination is “http: //x.x.x.x/printApp/print/data”. The HTTP request includes print data. The print data may be encrypted with an encryption key for each user in order to ensure security.

  The upload request from the client device 30 is received by the request receiving unit 141a of the proxy server unit 121a. Subsequently, the transfer unit 143a of the proxy server unit 121a searches the registration information storage unit 131a for registration information including transfer target information that matches the upload request (S103). In the present embodiment, the first registration information in FIG. 8 is searched. Therefore, the transfer unit 143a redirects the upload request to the transfer destination URL of the registration information (S104). Therefore, the upload request is transferred to the print service unit 122a instead of the print Web application 22a that is the original destination. The print service unit 122a stores the print data included in the upload request in the print data storage unit 132a (S105). At this time, the print service unit 122a associates the user ID of the login user of the client device 30 and the print data included in the upload request and stores them in the print data storage unit 132a. For example, the print data may be stored under a directory or folder that includes the user ID in the directory name or folder name, such as “/ hdd / print / data / user_A”.

  Subsequently, the print service unit 122a returns a response to the upload request to the transfer unit 143a (S106). The response may include, for example, information indicating success or failure of storing print data. When the transfer unit 143a receives the response, the transfer unit 143a determines whether it is necessary to notify the response based on whether the response notification of the registration information corresponding to the upload request is required (S107). In the present embodiment, the response notification necessity value is “necessary”. Therefore, the transfer unit 143a notifies the response to the print Web application 22a corresponding to the destination URL of the upload request via the network N2a (S108). In the notification, a user ID included in the upload request is designated.

  In response to the notification of the response, the print Web application 22a generates information that needs to be returned to the client device 30 in response to the upload request. For example, a one-time password required for printing uploaded print data may be generated. In this case, the print Web application 22a stores the generated one-time password in the memory 202a, for example, in association with the user ID included in the notification from the transfer unit 143a. Since it is a burden on the user that the one-time password differs for each print data, the last-generated one-time password may be a valid password for all print data uploaded by the user.

  Subsequently, the print Web application 22a returns a response including the generated information to the transfer unit 143a via the network N2a (S109).

  Thus, in this embodiment, even when a request addressed to a web application is redirected, a response to the request can be generated by the web application. As a result, for example, information unique to the Web application can be included in the response.

  Subsequently, the transfer unit 143a generates a response in which the response from the print service unit 122a and the response from the print Web application 22a are merged (S110), and returns the generated response to the client device 30 ( S111).

  Thereafter, the user of the client device 30 moves to the installation location of the image forming apparatus 10a in order to cause the image forming apparatus 10a to output the uploaded print data.

  In step S120, the user logs in to the information processing system 2a. The login may be performed by using a device for personal authentication such as an IC card, or may be performed by manually inputting a user ID, a password, and the like.

  After the user logs in, when the print UI application 23a is selected as a usage target, the print UI application 23a displays print data list information (hereinafter referred to as “print job list”) stored in the print data storage unit 132a regarding the login user. The API of the print service unit 122a indicating the acquisition request is called via the network N2a (S121). The user ID of the login user is specified as an argument of the API. The user ID of the login user is specified by the authentication process at the time of login.

  The print service unit 122a generates a print job list for the print data associated with the user ID specified in the API argument and stored in the print data storage unit 132a, and the print job list is generated in the network N2a. Is sent back to the printing UI application 23a (S122). Subsequently, the print UI application 23a displays the print job list on the display device 111a of the information processing terminal 20a (S123).

  Since the print job list is text information, the load imposed on the network N2 by the communication of the print job list is not problematic in actual operation.

  When the user selects a print job to be printed from the print job list and gives an instruction to execute printing (S124), the print UI application 23a displays the API of the print service unit 122a indicating the print request. The call is made via the network N2a (S125). When the one-time password is generated according to step S108, the print UI application 23a may request the user to input the one-time password when receiving a print execution instruction from the user. The print UI application 23a may call an API indicating a print request when the one-time password input by the user matches the one-time password stored in association with the login user's user ID.

  The data ID of the print data related to the selected print job is specified as an API argument indicating a print request. When the print data is encrypted, an encryption key for decrypting the print data may be designated as an argument of the API. The encryption key may be acquired from the IC card used for login or may be automatically generated based on the user ID.

  Subsequently, the print service unit 122a acquires the print data corresponding to the data ID specified in the API argument indicating the print request from the print data storage unit 132a (S126, S127). Subsequently, the print service unit 122a decrypts the acquired print data with the encryption key specified in the argument of the API (S128). Subsequently, the print service unit 122a transmits the decrypted print data to the printer 13a (S129). As a result, printing is executed based on the print data. If the print data decoded in step S128 has not been converted to PDL (Page Description Language), the print service unit 122a may execute conversion to PDL for the decoded data.

  In step S103, if the corresponding registration information is not searched, the received request may be transferred according to the destination of the request.

  Further, the Web server unit 21a may be able to receive a request from the outside by wireless communication using the wireless communication device 205a of the information processing terminal 20a. However, when a print data upload request is received by wireless communication, the print data needs to be transferred to the image forming apparatus 10a via the network N2a in order to save the print data in the print data storage unit 132a. As a result, there is a possibility that the load on the network N2a becomes high. Accordingly, the Web server unit 21a returns a response including a response code 301 (Moved Permanently) or 302 (Moved Temporarily) to the request transmission source for the request received by wireless communication. You may make it redirect to the part 121a.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, part or all of the request addressed to the information processing terminal 20 (addressed to the Web application of the information processing terminal 20) is transferred to the image forming apparatus 10 (service of the image forming apparatus 10). Part). Here, part or all of the requests are requests whose registration information is registered in the registration information storage unit 131 among requests that can be accepted by the Web application of the information processing terminal 20. As a result, registration information for registering a request transfer destination including image data such as print data as a service unit of the image forming apparatus 10 is registered in the registration information storage unit 131, so that the size of the image data is large. The frequency with which electronic data is distributed on the network N2 can be reduced. Therefore, the communication load between the information processing terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. Accordingly, points not particularly mentioned may be the same as those in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example in which print data uploaded to the image forming apparatus 10a is printed in the image forming apparatus 10b will be described. In the following description, “a” is added to the end of the code of the component of the information processing system 2a, and “b” is added to the end of the code of the component of the information processing system 2b.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing system according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that steps S101 to S111 of FIG. 7 are executed for the information processing system 2a. That is, print data has already been uploaded to the image forming apparatus 10a.

  However, in step S <b> 101, it is assumed that registration information as illustrated in FIG. 10 is registered in the registration information storage unit 131. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of registration information according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 10, the second registration information is registration information further registered in the second embodiment.

  The transfer target information of the second registration information is different from the transfer target information of the first registration information in that the GET message is a target. In addition, the necessity of notifying the response of the second registration information is “No”. In other respects, the second registration information and the first registration information are the same. That is, the second registration information indicates that the print data acquisition request addressed to the print Web application 22a is redirected to the print service unit 122a.

  In step S201, the user logs in to the information processing system 2b. After the user logs in, when the print UI application 23b is selected as a usage target, the print UI application 23b calls the API of the print service unit 122b indicating a print job list acquisition request via the network N2b (S202). . Steps S201 and S202 are the same processes as steps S120 and S121 of FIG. 7 except that they are executed in the information processing system 2b.

  The print service unit 122b is set to acquire the print job list from the image forming apparatus 10a instead of the print data storage unit 132 in response to the print job list acquisition request. Thus, the print service unit 122b transmits a print job list acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 10a via the network N1 (S203). The acquisition request is, for example, a GET message addressed to “http: //x.x.x.x/appA/print/joblist”.

  The acquisition request is received by the request receiving unit 141a of the proxy server unit 121a. Subsequently, the transfer unit 143a searches the registration information storage unit 131a for registration information including transfer target information that matches the print job list acquisition request (S204). Here, since the corresponding registration information is not searched, the transfer unit 143a transfers the acquisition request to the print Web application 22a via the network N2a according to the destination (S205). The print Web application 22a calls the API of the print service unit 122a via the network N2, acquires the print job list, and returns a response including the print job list to the transfer unit 143a (S206). The transfer unit 143a returns the response to the print service unit 122b of the image forming apparatus 10b (S207).

  The reason why the print job list acquisition request is not registered as a transfer target is that the print job list is text data with a small data size. That is, even if the print job list circulates through the network N2a, the band of the network N2a is not compressed. However, a print job list acquisition request may also be registered in the registration information storage unit 131 as a transfer target to the print service unit 122a.

  Subsequently, the print service unit 122b returns the returned print job list to the print UI application 23b via the network N2b (S208). Subsequently, the print UI application 23b displays the print job list on the display device 111b of the information processing terminal 20b (S209).

  When the user selects a print job to be printed from the print job list and instructs execution of printing (S210), the print UI application 23b displays the API of the print service unit 122b indicating the print request on the network N2b. (S211). The print service unit 122b is set to acquire print data from the image forming apparatus 10a in response to a print request. Therefore, the print service unit 122b transmits a print data acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 10a (S212). The acquisition request is a GET message addressed to “http: //x.x.x.x/appA/print/data”.

  The acquisition request is received by the request receiving unit 141a of the proxy server unit 121a. Subsequently, the transfer unit 143a searches the registration information storage unit 131a for registration information including transfer target information that matches the print data acquisition request (S213). In the present embodiment, the second registration information in FIG. 10 is searched. Therefore, the transfer unit 143a redirects the acquisition request to the transfer destination URL of the registration information (S214). Therefore, the acquisition request is transferred to the print service unit 122a.

  When receiving the print data acquisition request, the print service unit 122a acquires the print data corresponding to the data ID included in the acquisition request from the print data storage unit 132a (S215, S216). Subsequently, the print service unit 122a returns a response including the acquired print data to the transfer unit 143a (S217). Subsequently, the transfer unit 143a determines whether or not to notify the returned response based on whether or not the response notification of the registration information corresponding to the print data acquisition request is necessary (S218). In the present embodiment, the value of whether or not the response notification is necessary is “No”. Therefore, the transfer unit 143a returns the response to the print service unit 122b without notifying the print Web application 22a (S219).

  Subsequent steps S220 and S221 are the same processes as steps S128 and S129 of FIG. 7 except that they are executed in the image forming apparatus 10b.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, a print data acquisition request addressed to the print Web application 22a of the information processing terminal 20 can be redirected to the print service unit 122b. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a response including print data acquired in response to the acquisition request is distributed on the network N2. Therefore, the communication load between the information processing terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. Accordingly, points not particularly mentioned may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of each device according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same parts as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a log service unit 123 that is an example of a service unit. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the log storage unit 133. The log storage unit 133 can be realized using the HDD 114 or a storage device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network.

  The log service unit 123 has an API for receiving requests and the like regarding recording and reading of log information, and executes processing according to the request via the API. In the present embodiment, the log service unit 123 records log information in the log storage unit 133 in response to a request from the print UI application 23, for example.

  On the other hand, the information processing terminal 20 further includes a log Web application 24. The log web application 24 is a web application corresponding to a log information acquisition request from the client device 30.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing system according to the third embodiment. In the following description, “a” is added to the end of the reference numerals of the components of the information processing system 2a.

  For example, the print UI application 23a calls the API of the log service a indicating the log information write request regarding the processing related to the step via the network N2a after execution of step S121, step S125, and the like in FIG. 7 (S301). ). Subsequently, the log service unit 123a writes the log information related to the write request to the log storage unit 133 (S302). Subsequently, the log service unit 123a returns a response including the log information writing result to the print Web application 22a via the network N2a (S303).

  Thereafter, at an arbitrary timing, the client apparatus 30 transmits an HTTP request indicating a log information acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 10a (S311). The acquisition request includes a user ID and a password. The acquisition request is transmitted, for example, in response to an operation of the client device 30 by a user who desires to view log information.

  When the acquisition request is received by the request reception unit 141a of the proxy server unit 121a, the transfer unit 143a of the proxy server unit 121a receives registration information including transfer target information that matches the acquisition request from the registration information storage unit 131a. Search is performed (S312). In the present embodiment, the corresponding registration information is not stored in the registration information storage unit 131a. Therefore, the transfer unit 143a transfers the acquisition request to the log Web application 24a via the network N2a as the destination (S313).

  Note that registration information related to a log information acquisition request may be registered in the registration information storage unit 131a. In this case, the transfer destination URL of the registration information may be the URL of the log Web application 24a.

  When receiving the log information acquisition request, the log Web application 24a performs an authentication process on the user ID and password included in the acquisition request (S314). If the authentication fails, the log Web application 24a returns a response indicating an error. Therefore, in this case, acquisition of log information is not executed. If the authentication is successful, the log Web application 24a indicates that the authentication is successful, and returns a response including a redirect command to the log service unit 123a (S315).

  The transfer unit 143a redirects the log information acquisition request to the log service unit 123a in accordance with the redirect command (S316). For example, the log service unit 123a acquires log information related to the user ID included in the acquisition request from the log storage unit 133 (S317, S318). Subsequently, the log service unit 123a returns a response including the acquired log information to the transfer unit 143a (S319).

  Subsequently, the transfer unit 143a generates a response including the log information (S320). Subsequently, the transfer unit 143a returns the response to the client device 30 (S321).

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, even if the response to the request from the outside is a case where the data size becomes large as in the case of log information, the possibility that the response will circulate through the network N2. Can be reduced. As a result, the communication load between the information processing terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

  The first to third embodiments may be implemented in combination.

  In each of the above embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 is an example of a device. The network N1 is an example of a second network. The network N2 is an example of a first network. The transfer destination receiving unit 142 is an example of a receiving unit.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to such specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation・ Change is possible.

2 Information Processing System 10 Image Forming Device 11 Controller 12 Scanner 13 Printer 14 Modem 15 Terminal Interface 16 Network Interface 17 SD Card Slot 20 Information Processing Terminal 21 Web Server Unit 22 Print Web Application 23 Print UI Application 24 Log Web Application 30 Client Device 80 SD card 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
114 HDD
115 NVRAM
121 Proxy server unit 122 Print service unit 123 Log service unit 131 Registration information storage unit 132 Print data storage unit 133 Log storage unit 141 Request reception unit 142 Transfer destination reception unit 143 Transfer unit 201 CPU
202 Memory 203 Auxiliary Storage Device 204 Touch Panel 205 Wireless Communication Device 206 Device Interface 211 Display Device 212 Input Device

JP 2014-102577 A

Claims (19)

An information processing system including an information processing terminal and a device connected to the information processing terminal via a first network,
The equipment is
Information indicating other than the information processing terminal or the information processing terminal as the transfer destination of the request addressed to the information processing terminal received by the device via the second network is transmitted via the first network. A receiving unit for receiving from the processing terminal;
When the request is received via the second network, a transfer unit that transfers the request to a transfer destination indicated by the information received by the reception unit;
An information processing system comprising: The information processing terminal functions as an operation unit of the device,
The second network is used for communication for executing display in the information processing terminal according to the state of the device.
The information processing system according to claim 1. The request received via the second network is a request including image data;
The transfer unit transfers the request to a transfer destination other than the information processing terminal according to the information received by the reception unit;
The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The receiving unit receives information indicating a transfer destination for each type of request addressed to the information processing terminal,
The transfer unit transfers the request to a transfer destination corresponding to the type of request received via the second network;
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The receiving unit receives information indicating a transfer destination of a request addressed to the information processing terminal, and information indicating whether notification to the information processing terminal is necessary for a response to the request,
In the case where the information that needs to be notified is received by the receiving unit with respect to the request received via the second network, the transfer unit sends a response from the transfer destination of the request, Notify the information processing terminal,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is an information processing system. The device has an interface for enabling the function of the device to be called from the information processing terminal via the first network;
The information processing terminal has a program for causing the information processing terminal to call the function via the interface in response to a request addressed to the information processing terminal received by the device via the second network. And
The receiving unit receives information indicating other than the program as a transfer destination for a part of the requests addressed to the program received via the second network.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is an information processing system. A device connected to the information processing terminal via the first network,
The equipment is
Information indicating other than the information processing terminal or the information processing terminal as the transfer destination of the request addressed to the information processing terminal received by the device via the second network is transmitted via the first network. A receiving unit for receiving from the processing terminal;
When the request is received via the second network, a transfer unit that transfers the request to a transfer destination indicated by the information received by the reception unit;
A device characterized by comprising: The information processing terminal functions as an operation unit of the device,
The second network is used for communication for executing display in the information processing terminal according to the state of the device.
The device according to claim 7. The request received via the second network is a request including image data;
The transfer unit transfers the request to a transfer destination other than the information processing terminal according to the information received by the reception unit;
The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the above. The receiving unit receives information indicating a transfer destination for each type of request addressed to the information processing terminal,
The transfer unit transfers the request to a transfer destination corresponding to the type of request received via the second network;
The device according to claim 7, wherein the device is a device. The receiving unit receives information indicating a transfer destination of a request addressed to the information processing terminal, and information indicating whether notification to the information processing terminal is necessary for a response to the request,
In the case where the information that needs to be notified is received by the receiving unit with respect to the request received via the second network, the transfer unit sends a response from the transfer destination of the request, Notify the information processing terminal,
The device according to claim 7, wherein the device is a device. An interface for enabling the function of the device to be called from the information processing terminal via the first network;
The information processing terminal has a program for causing the information processing terminal to call the function via the interface in response to a request addressed to the information processing terminal received by the device via the second network. And
The receiving unit receives information indicating other than the program as a transfer destination for a part of the requests addressed to the program received via the second network.
The device according to claim 7, wherein the device is a device. A device connected to the information processing terminal via the first network is
Information indicating other than the information processing terminal or the information processing terminal as the transfer destination of the request addressed to the information processing terminal received by the device via the second network is transmitted via the first network. A receiving procedure received from the processing terminal;
When the request is received via the second network, a transfer procedure for transferring the request to a transfer destination indicated by the information received in the reception procedure;
The information processing method characterized by performing. The information processing terminal functions as an operation unit of the device,
The second network is used for communication for executing display in the information processing terminal according to the state of the device.
The information processing method according to claim 13. The request received via the second network is a request including image data;
The transfer procedure transfers the request to a transfer destination other than the information processing terminal according to the information received in the reception procedure.
The information processing method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The reception procedure receives information indicating a transfer destination for each type of request addressed to the information processing terminal,
The transfer procedure transfers the request to a transfer destination corresponding to the type of request received via the second network.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 15. The reception procedure receives information indicating a transfer destination of a request addressed to the information processing terminal, and information indicating whether notification to the information processing terminal is necessary for a response to the request,
In the transfer procedure, when the information that needs to be notified is received in the reception procedure with respect to the request received via the second network, a response from the transfer destination of the request is Notify the information processing terminal,
The information processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 16. The device has an interface for enabling the function of the device to be called from the information processing terminal via the first network;
The information processing terminal has a program for causing the information processing terminal to call the function via the interface in response to a request addressed to the information processing terminal received by the device via the second network. And
The reception procedure receives information indicating other than the program as a transfer destination for a part of the requests addressed to the program received via the second network.
The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein the information processing method is performed. To a device connected to the information processing terminal via the first network,
Information indicating other than the information processing terminal or the information processing terminal as the transfer destination of the request addressed to the information processing terminal received by the device via the second network is transmitted via the first network. A receiving procedure received from the processing terminal;
When the request is received via the second network, a transfer procedure for transferring the request to a transfer destination indicated by the information received in the reception procedure;
A program characterized by having executed.

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